Absolem Tennison's Will, June 27, 1768

In the Name of God Amen I Absolem Tennison of St. Mary's County being weak of Body but of sound and perfect memory praised be to God for the same and Considering the frailty this mortal Life, Doe make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followth. First and Principally I recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it hoping through the Merits of my Savior Jesus Christ to receive free and full Pardon for all my Sins and as tuching as such Wordly Estate as pleased Almighty God to bestow on me I dispose of in the following manner.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Joana Tennison two Negroes one named Mingo the other Sue which said Negroes to be her Right and and Property during her Natural Life and after her Death to fall to my Daughter Ann and in case my Said Daughter Ann departs this Life withut Lawful eshew then to fall to my beloved Son Jestinion Tennison or his Heirs.

Imperimis. I also my desire is that my Grandson Absolem Tennison son of John Tennison may have just heirship to my Dwelling house and planation after arriving to Age of twenty one years & until he remains a minor I Constitute and apoint my Executors namely my beloved Wife Jonah and my Son Jestinian to Injoy the said untill he arrives at full age. I also give and bequeath to my Son Jestinian all that Land I now Dwell on and all my property in Lands begining between the old and new Road.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Christian White one Cow and Yearling and alsoe Discharge her Husband James White of four pounds cre (credit) owe(d) on the Testators Book being in full part of my Estate.

Item. I give unto my Daughter Sarah Doxsey five hundred pounds of Tobacco to be laid out in mourning Cloaths at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned in full part of my Estate.

Item. I bequeath to my Daughter Saebe Cossar one Shilling Str (sterling) in full of her part of my Estate.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Son Thomas Tenison my wearing aparell in full part of my Estate.

Item. I bequeath to my Daughter Ann one Bed & furniture, two Heifers and also a Loom with all things fit for weaving Trade.

Item. I bequeath to my Daughter in Law Elizabeth Tennison two Negroes named Sesar and Jude and a maintainance during her Widowhood with her own industrious parts and also one feather Bed now in her Possession.

Item I alsoe give to my Grandson Absolem Tenison son of John Tenison one Negro boy Named Jack, five years schooling and this I ordain to (be) deducted out of my Estate, and further I give my said Grandson three Cows and three head of Sheep and five head of Hogs, one year old to be Delivered to his at the year of twenty one but in case the said Absolom son of John Should die a minor or with out Lawful isshu it is my desire that my son Thomas Tennison may have the Premises and Properties and furder my Will is that if my Son Thomas should die without Lawful ishue then to fall by heirship to my Son Jese.

In Testimony whereof I set my hand and Seal revoking Disannulling and making Void all former Wills made by me. It is also my Last Will that my Son Abraham Tennison receive one Shilling Str (sterling) in full of my Estate.